Tag: towns

Aberdeen: Known as Granite City is famous for Britain’s largest granite-exporting industry. It is in Scotland.

Abu Simbal: (Egypt) famous ancient temple cut out of rock by Rameses II.

Al-Aqsa: is a mosque in Jerusalem said to be the third holiest to the Muslims after Mecca and Madina.

Alaska: The territory of the Alaska became a United States possession in 1867, when the American Government purchased it from Russia.

Alexandria: city and sea-port of Egypt founded by Alexander the Great.

Algiers: is the capital town and port of Algeria in North Africa.

Angkor Vat: a ruined city in Cambodia where beautiful specimens of ancient Indian art and culture are found.

Arakan Yoma: is the extension of Himalayas located in Myanmar.

Aswan: (Egypt) on the Nile. Aswan Dam, which is one of the biggest dams in the world, is situated here.

Atacama: Cold desert in South America.

Attock: town in West Pakistan between Peshawar and Islamabad known for oil wells.

Ava: (Myanmar) on the Irrawadi river; famous for many pagodas now in ruins.

Baiknour: is the Russian spaceship launching station (cosmodrome), situated in the hot dusty steppes of Kazakhstan, about 1,984 km from Moscow.

Bangkok: capital of Thailand.

Bastille: a castle or fortress in Paris built in 14th century and used as State Prison for political offenders. Demolished on 14 July 1789 at the beginning of the revolution by the French.

Bethlehem: Palestine; about 9 km South of Jerusalem; birth-place of Jesus and King David; Church of Nativity.

Bibliotheca Alexandria: One of the first and most celebrated centres of learning in human history—the Library of Alexandria in Egypt—has been re-opened by Egypt. Its roots stretch back to more than 2000 years.

Big Ben: (London) is the name given to the clock on the tower of the building of British Parliament.

Bogor Palace: summer palace of the President of Indonesia, situated nearly 64 km south of Djakarta; now being used by the government for meetings and conferences.

Borobodur: is the most important monument, the great Buddhist shrine in Central Java (Indonesia), erected between 750 and 850 AD under the Sailendra dynasty. Built around a natural hillock, the stupa is surrounded by eleven square concentric terraces, the lowest with a length of 131 yards, all adorned with beautifully sculptured panels, depicting in relief scenes of Buddhist legend.

Brandenburg Gate: It was the main gate which separated the Eastern and Western Sectors of Berlin before unification of Germany.

Brussels: capital of Belgium, silk and cotton industries.

Buckingham Palace: in London; residence of the Royal family of England.

Buenos Aires: capital of Argentina on the river La Plata; fine buildings.

Burj Khalifa: known as Burj Dubai prior to its inauguration, is a skyscraper in Dubai, UAE; is the tallest man-made structure in the world, at 829.8 m.

Cairo: capital of Egypt.

Caldor Hall: Caldor Hall, named after the world famed American sculptor, Alexander Stirling Caldor, is a famous Art Gallery in Philadelphia (USA). The sculptural productions of Alexander Caldor in addition to those of other famous artists have found a befitting abode in Caldor Hall.

Caracas: is the capital of Venezuela. Here, the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Seas was held in June-August 1974.

Caspian Sea: 1216 km long and 432 km wide; occupies an area of 170,000 square miles between Asia and Europe. It is the largest inland sea in the world and is 26 metres below sea-level.

Cenotaph: (London) a monument in White Hall, London, unveiled by George V in 1920 to commemorate those who gave their lives during World War I.

Chequers: in the Chiltern Hills near Princes Risborough, Bucks, in England is the country-seat of the Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom.

Chicago: second city in population and third in area situated at the mouth of Chicago river at the south-west corner of lake Michigan in Illinois (USA). The city is cut by the Chicago river into three parts, joined by bridges and tunnels. It is known for the University of Chicago. There are many fine parks, playgrounds and bathing beaches. It is the greatest Railway centre in the USA. It is also the biggest meat-packing centre.

Colombo: capital, chief town and port of Sri Lanka. It has much strategic importance being situated on a great ocean highway from Europe to the Far East.

Colorado: USA—famous for gold, silver, copper and coal.

Colosseum of Rome: one of the most magnificent ruins of the world and name of the amphitheatre in Rome.

Corsica: an island in the Mediterranean where Napoleon was born.

Cotopaxi: is situated in Equador—a Republic on the Pacific coast of South America—Cotopaxi is the loftiest active volcano in the world with a height of 5,959 metres.

Downing Street: No. 10 Downing Street is the official residence of the Prime Minister of England in London.

Dundee: centre of linen and jute manufacture in Scotland.

Durban: South Africa; Fort of Natal.

Eiffel Tower: in Paris (France) 300 m high and built at a cost of £ 200,000. It is now being used as a Meteorological Wireless Station.

El-Alamin: Egypt; scene of great Allied victory in Second World War.

Elba, St: an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Napoleon was exiled for the first time in 1814 here.

Empire State Building: (USA) is one of the loftiest buildings in the world; height about 365 metres; it has 102 storeys.

Etna, Mount: is a great volcanic mountain dominating the island of Sicily.

Eton: England; famous for public school founded by Henry VI.

Fleet Street: A street in London running from Temple Bar eastwards to Ludgate Circus. It is named after the River Fleet. The area (with adjoining streets) houses the offices and printing establishments of many of the leading British newspapers and press agencies.

Flushing Meadows: on Long Island, New York (USA) famous as UN meeting place.

Gibraltar: British fortress and naval base on west end of the Mediterranean (extreme south of Spain); key to the Mediterranean.

Grand Canyon: is a huge gorge 8 to 24 km wide in Arizona USA produced by Colorado river sinking in places to a depth of 1829 metres.

Great Wall of China: 2400 km long wall; its construction was started by Chinese King Emperor Shih Hwang.

Greenwich: England; famous for its Hospital, Observatory and RN College. Longitude conventionally calculated Greenwich meridian either east or west.

Hague, The: (The Netherlands); Seat of International Court of Justice; Art galleries.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon: one of the seven wonders of the world; planted near the Euphrates in 603 BC.

Harappa: Montgomery District (Pakistan); excavation of pre-historic buildings of pre-Aryan days of about 3500 BC.

Harley Street: a street in London known for expert medical practitioners.

Havana: capital of Cuba, cigar-manufacturing centre.

Hiroshima: in Central Honshu (Japan); close to the “Island of Light’’ with the famous Shinto temples; first city destroyed by atom bomb in the Second World War.

Hollywood: California (USA); centre of film industry.

Hong Kong: is called Pearl of the Orient. The British government gave possession of Hong Kong to China on 1 July 1997.

Houston: a city of Texas (USA). It is USA’s Space Communication Centre.

Hyde Park: (London); famous place for public meetings.

Independence Hall: (USA) where in 1776 the Constitution of USA was declared.

Jakarta: capital of Indonesia formerly known as Batavia.

Jerusalem: ancient city and capital of Palestine known as the ‘Holy City’. Christ was crucified here. Jerusalem remained under Islamic rule through conquest by Turks in 1517, till the British occupied it in 1917. In 1948 it was divided between the new republic of Israel and Jordan. In 1956, Israel proclaimed the western part of the city, which they held, as capital. It is a holy city for three faiths: Christian, Jew and Moslem. In June 1967, the Israeli forces, engaged in war with Arab countries, occupied the whole of Jerusalem city.

Jodrell Bank: near Manchester (UK), is the locale of the world famous radio telescope. It has played an important role in international space research.

Kimberly: situated in the east of the Kalahari Desert; biggest diamond market in the world.

Kremlin: large fortified citadel in Moscow, now the headquarters of Russian government. The Kremlin, originally built in 1156 by Yuri (George) Dolgoruki, prince of Suzdal became the centre around which Moscow has grown.

Kuala Lumpur: capital of Malaysia.

Leaning Tower: (Pisa, Italy) 55 metres high.

Leeds: England; cotton and chemical industries.

Louvre, The: (France) one of the old royal palaces of Paris turned into a museum by Napoleon I and enriched by him with the plunder of many foreign art gallaries. It houses Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece “La Giconda’’.

Lumbini: is the birthplace of the Buddha. It is in Nepal.

Manila: capital of Philippines; famous port.

Mecca: the holiest city of the Mohammedan world in Arabia, where the Prophet was born. It stands in the desert, about 72 km east of Jidda. In the centre of Mecca is the Great Mosque, in the courtyard of which is the Kaaba. It is a place of pilgrimage and Muslims from all parts of the world visit it for Hajj every year.

Merdeca Palace: Official residence of the President of Indonesia in Jakarta.

Mexico City: It is the capital of the federal republic of Mexico, South of N. America.

Mohenjodaro: is in Sind (Pakistan); site of excavation revealing preAryan Indus Valley civilization.

Monaco: a principality on the border of France. It is notorious for gambling.

Monte Carlo: It is one of the three sections in the principality of Monaco, situated on the Riviera about 14 km east of Nice, France. The place is one of Europe’s most luxurious resorts and famous for Monte Carlo car rally and other festive and sporting events. Monaco Grand Prix motor race is also held through the streets of Monte Carlo.

Mount Blanc: highest mountain peak in Europe. It is in the Alps on the confines of Italy and France; longest road tunnel in the world.

Nagasaki: in Japan; second city destroyed by atom bomb in World War II.

Nairobi: capital of Kenya in East Africa; game hunting centre.

Nankana Sahib: birthplace of Guru Nanak. It is in the Sheikhupura district now in Pakistan.

New York: Financial capital of USA, is situated on the river Hudson.

Notre Dam: is a bay in Newfoundland, Canada.

Nuremberg: is a city of Bavaria in Germany noted for its ancient buildings and a castle. It suffered about 75 per cent devastation in the Second World War. During Hitler’s regime, it was the scene of the annual rallies of the Nazi party. In 1945-46 the trial of Major German war criminals was held here.

Ottawa: capital of the Dominion of Canada; situated on the Ottawa river.

Panama: is a strip of land 75 km long by 16 km wide extending 8 km on either side of Panama Canal administered by the USA.

Pearl Harbour: in Hawaii Island (USA); Naval Base; scene of Japanese attack in World War II.

Pentagon: in Washington. It houses many Government offices of the War Department of the USA

Philadelphia: (USA) place where Americans framed their constitution and declared their independence on 4th July, 1776.

Phnom Penh: is the capital of Cambodia.

Pisa: a town in Italy famous for the leaning tower of Pisa one of the wonders of the world.

Pittsburgh: It is the second city of Pennsylvania (USA) famous for Pennsylvania University which rises to a height of 163 metres and has 47 storeys. It is a great port producing steel, coal, natural gas and petroleum.

Point Nemo (Latin for “no one”) is one of the most remote location on Earth. It’s a spot in the South Pacific between Australia, New Zealand and South America that’s farthest from any land. Another name it has is the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, and it’s also where NASA’s spacecraft go to die.

Pompeii: ruined city in Italy; Destroyed AD 79 by volcanic eruption.

Potala: once Dalai Lama’s palace, in Lhasa, capital of Tibet.

Pyramids of Egypt: are vast stone or brick-built structures on the west bank of the Nile. They date back to about 300 BC. The largest is called the Great Pyramid which is 146 metres high and is one of the seven wonders of the world. Three lakh men were employed for 20 years to build it. These Pyramids have inner chambers and subterranean entrances, built by pharaohs as royal tombs.

Red Square: It is a famous open space in Moscow linked with the Kremlin by three gates, used for political demonstrations and processions. Lenin’s mausoleum is in the Red Square.

Rome: capital of Italy; on the River Tiber; one of the most famous cities of the world also known as eternal city.

Ruhr: Germany; famous for rich coalfields and heavy iron industry.

Sargossa Sea: The areas of stagnant waters formed in the centre of the ocean currents are often referred to as ‘Sargossa Sea’. It is without a coastline.

Scotland Yard: The Metropolitan Police headquarters in London from which the force is administered. CID headquarters.

Sheffield: industrial city in England; famous for cutlery and steel goods.

Sphinx: in Greek mythology, is a winged creature with a woman’s head and a lion’s body. The great Sphinx at Giza is in the form of a lion with the head of a pharaoh built in 2900 BC.

St Helena: British Island in South Atlantic; place of Napoleon’s imprisonment in 1815-21.

St Petersburg: Also known as “Venice of the North”, the tricentennial of Russia’s graceful city was celebrated in May 2003. Earlier known as Leningrad, it is one of the most beautiful cities of Europe and is the second largest city of Russia.

Taxila: in Pakistan; site of excavation; old seat of Buddhist culture and famous for ancient Taxila University. It was a great centre of trade and commerce during the Gupta period (320-647 AD).

Tel Aviv: magnificent city in Palestine built by the Jews. Capital of Israel.

Texas: largest State of USA; largest cotton producing region in the world.

Trafalgar: Cape Trafalgar is famous for the naval battle fought between the British led by Admiral Nelson and an allied naval force of France and Spain in 1895. Admiral Nelson won the battle though he was himself killed in action.

Vatican: The Papal State of Italy; an independent territory; the palace of Pope in Rome. It includes the Church of St Peter.

Vendenberg: (California) is the 110-milion-dollar US Air Base of the Strategic Air Command named after the late Air Force Chief of Staff, General Hoyt Vendenberg.

Venezuela: republic in South America on Caribbean coast; is one of the largest oil producing centres of the world.

Verkoyansk: is situated in North East Siberia (Russia), Verkoyansk is the coldest place in the world. Its temperature goes down to 94° below zero.

Vesuvius: famous active volcano of southern Italy.

Victoria Falls: on the River Zambesi, Zambia Central Africa; these Falls, the greatest in the world, are 1700 metres wide.

Wailing Wall: It is the western wall of a Jewish temple which had been built in Jerusalem 200 years before Christ. The temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. The Wailing Wall is the only extant sign of the temple and has been worshipped by the Jews for nearly 2000 years now.

Wall Street: a street in New York; centre of US Banking and Finance.

Waterloo: Belgium; famous for the battle of Waterloo which marked the end of Napoleon’s power.

Wembley: is the famous sports stadium near London where all important sports are held.

Westminster Abbey: (London) where many British sovereigns, persons of eminence and unknown warriors are lying buried.

White Hall: London; Government Offices.

White House: is the official residence of the President of the USA. It is located at 1600, Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC.

Wimbledon: in London; famous for Lawn Tennis Court.

World Trade Centre: The World Trade Centre (WTC), in New York, USA, was bombed by terrorists on 11 September 2001, using two commercial aircraft. More than 6000 people were killed in the attack. WTC took seven years to build and was completed in 1973 at a cost of $ 750 million. The two 110-storey towers briefly served as the world’s tallest buildings until the Sears Tower in Chicago surpassed it in 1973 at 433 metres.

Yellow Sea: sea between northern China and Korea.

Yellowstone: is a Lake in the Yellowstone National Park of USA.

Yukon: in North America is 3,200 km long river Canada-Alaska; flows N.W. and W. into Bering Strait. It is navigable for 1920 km.

Zambesi: River in S.E. Africa. It flows east to Mozambique channel, Indian Ocean.

Adam’s Bridge: very nearly joined to India between two points viz, Mannar Peninsula and Dhanushkodi by a line of sand banks and rocks called ‘Adam’s Bridge’.

Aga Khan Palace: in Pune where Mahatma Gandhi was kept interned with his wife Kasturba Gandhi. Kasturba died in this palace.

Agra: (Uttar Pradesh) the Taj Mahal.

Ahmedabad: is situated on the river Sabarmati.

Ajanta Caves: near Aurangabad (Maharashtra) are famous for wonderful Buddhist cave temples richly ornamented with sculpture and carved with paintings of exceptional skill. Dating from about 150 BC to AD 650, it is work of Vakatkas and early Chalukya kings.

Alang: situated in the Gulf of Khambata (Gujarat), is well-known for ship-breaking industry.

Aliabet: is the site of India’s first off-shore oil well—nearly 45 km from Bhavnagar in Gujarat. On 19 March 1970, the Prime Minister of India set a 500-tonne rig in motion to inaugurate “Operation Leap Frog’’ at Aliabet.

Alipur: Suburb of Kolkata; Government mint.

Allahabad: also called Prayag is a city in Uttar Pradesh situated at the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna. Kumbha Mela (religious fair of the Hindus) is held here.

Almora: 132 km from Kathgodam in Uttarkhand is the main town in Kumaon Hills. It is said to have been founded by Raja Kalyan Chand about 400 years ago.

Alwaye: (Kerala); Monazite factory.

Amarkot: in Rajasthan, is the birth-place of Akbar. Akbar was born here in 1542.

Amarnath: situated at a height of about 4054 metres in Jammu & Kashmir. A place of pilgrimage for the Hindus.

Amritsar: (Punjab) on the north-west border of India; Golden Temple; Jallianwala Bagh tragedy on 13 April 1919. The plot of land at Amritsar containing a pool was granted by Akbar to Guru Ramdas (1574-1581). Golden Temple, the famous Sikhs temple was constructed on this plot.

Anand: between Ahmedabad and Baroda in Gujarat. Famus for milk dairy—Amul.

Anand Bhawan: Residence of Pt Moti Lal Nehru in Allahabad, dedicated to the Indian National Congress.

Angarpota: Angarpota and Dahagram were two enclaves given by India to Bangladesh in exchange for Berubari enclave under the Indo-Bangladesh Border Demarcation Agreement signed on 16 May 1974.

Atal Setu: It is the first cable-stayed bridge of north India in Kathua district of J&K, built on river Ravi. It provides close connectivity between the three States of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

Aurangabad: one of the important towns of Maharashtra; tomb of Emperor Aurangzeb and of his wife. Ellora and Ajanta Caves are reached from here.

Auroville: is an international township being constructed in Pudducherry with the help of UNESCO.

Avadi: near Chennai in Tamil Nadu is known for the government-owned Heavy Vehicles Factory. ‘Vijayanta’ and ‘Ajit’ tanks are manufactured here.

Ayodhya: is situated on the river Gogra (called Sarayu in ancient times).

Badrinath: Himalayas; place of pilgrimage for the Hindus near Gangotry Glacier.

Bardoli: (Gujarat); famous for non-payment of taxes campaign by peasants of Bardoli started by late Sardar Patel in 1928.

Baroda: capital of the former Baroda State is now one of the main towns of Gujarat; known for Laxmi Vilas Palace which is one of the most beautiful palaces in India.

Belur Math: is a monastery near Kolkata in West Bengal founded by Swami Vivekananda. There is a beautiful temple dedicated to Shri Rama Krishna Parmhans.

Bhakra: known for Bhakra dam built across the Sutlej river in a natural gorge just before the river enters the plains 80 km upstream Ropar in Punjab State.

Bharatpur: town in Rajasthan; famous for its historic fort.

Bhilai: (Chattisgarh), famous for one of the gigantic steel plants set up here with the help of Russian engineers and credit.

Bhubaneswar: the capital of Odisha, famous for Lingaraja Temple.

Bijapur: town in Karnataka; capital of the old Adilshahi Sultans of Bijapur. Known for Gol Gumbaz (the tomb of Mohammad Adil Shah and the second largest dome in the world) also called the Whispering Gallery. The town is rich with the remains of palaces, mosques and tombs.

Bokaro: in Jharkhand; known for the fourth steel plant set up in public sector.

Brihadeeswara Temple: at Tanjore. It was built by Raja Raja-I of Chola dynasty.

Buddh-Gaya: is situated 10 km south of Gaya in Bihar on the western bank of the Lilajan river and connected by two metalled roads. It is famous as the place where Buddha got enlightenment. There are modern monasteries, rest houses, and museum.

Buland Darwaza: Gateway of Fatehpur Sikri built by Akbar. This is the highest and the greatest gateway in India. It was erected to commemorate Akbar’s conquest of Gujarat.

Bundi: in Rajasthan is well known for jungles nearby providing plenty of tiger shooting.

Cape Comorin: also called Kanya Kumari in Tamil Nadu is the southernmost tip of Indian peninsula where the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal meet the Indian Ocean. It gives a beautiful view of sun-set and sun-rise.

Chandernagore: (West Bengal) on the river Hooghly, previously a French settlement, now merged with the Indian Union.

Chandigarh: Union Territory and joint capital of the Punjab and Haryana States; beautiful buildings on modern style, situated at the foot of the Himalayas; designed by French Architect Le Corbusier.

Chennai: capital of Tamil Nadu is the third largest city in India. Known for Fort St George; Light-house; St Thomas Mount; Integral Coach Factory; Adyar (the headquarters of the Theosophical Society).

Cherrapunji: in Meghalaya; the place of heaviest rainfall.

Chidambaram: is a town in South Arcot district, Tamil Nadu, 245 km by rail from Chennai City. It is famous for its great Hindu Siva temple, dedicated to Natraja or Siva in his aspect of “cosmic dance’’. It is also the seat of Annamalai University founded in 1929. The name of the town comes from Tamil chit plus ambalam, “the atmosphere of wisdom’’.

Chilka: a lake on the East Coast of India in Odisha on the KolkataChennai line, about 88 km from Bhubaneswar by rail. It is an excellent place for fishing and duck shooting. Naval Boys’ training centre. Chilka region is an inland drainage area. Chilka lake is endangered by prawn forming.

Chittaranjan: in West Bengal; famous for Locomotive Works; railways engines are manufactured here.

Chittorgarh: ancient capital and fortress of Udaipur; known for Tower of Victory and Mira Bai’s Temple.

Corbett Park: in Uttarkhand is a National Park named after Jim Corbett, a famous hunter and writer of Shikar stories.

Dalal Street: in Mumbai is associated with the stock-exchange market.

Dakshineswar: about 8 km from Kolkata where Swami Vivekananda was initiated into religious life by Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa.

Dandi: Famous for Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March) by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930.

Dayalbagh: near Agra; known for Dayalbagh Industrial Institute; shoe manufacture. Religious and cultural seat of a section of the Hindus.

Dhanbad: (Jharkhand) famous for coal mines and the Indian School of Mines. National Fuel Research Institute is situated here.

Dhirubhai Ambani City: The 132-acre complex, known earlier as knowledge city, is the largest commercial complex of India.

Dibrugarh: town in Assam; terminus of rail and river communications along the Brahmaputra from Kolkata.

Digboi: (Assam) known for rich oil-fields.

Dilwara Temples: near Mount Abu (Rajasthan) are five Hindu Temples constructed here between 11th and 13th century AD.

Dindigul: in Tamil Nadu; famous for cigars and tobacco.

Durgapur: in West Bengal is known for a gigantic steel plant set up here with the help of British Engineers.

Eagle’s Nest: is the name given to the historic fort at Raigarh in the Kolaba district of Maharashtra where, 300 years ago, Chhatarpati Shivaji, the great warrior-statesman, was crowned.

Elephanta: an Island in Mumbai harbour—famous for rock-cut temples.

Ellora and Ajanta: in Aurangabad (Maharashtra) famous for wonderful Buddhist cave temples richly ornamented with sculpture and carved with paintings of exceptional skill.

Ernakulam: in Kerala is famous for its backwaters.

Faridabad: an industrial township in Haryana State. It is situated about 29 km from Delhi.

Fatehpur Sikri: 32 km from Agra; city built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 now deserted.

Ferozabad: (Uttar Pradesh) famous for glass bangles industry.

Garhmukteswar: a town in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. A big fair of Hindus is held every year at this place.

Gateway of India: in Mumbai harbour erected in 1911 on George V’s visit to India.

Gaya: (Bihar) the place where Lord Buddha got enlightenment; famous for pilgrimage.

Gazipur: (Uttar Pradesh) known for the government opium factory.

Gersoppa (Jog) Falls: in the river Sharavati are in Mysore.

Golconda: a ruined city of India, about 11 km west of Hyderabad; formerly there was a diamond mine here.

Golden Temple: in Amritsar (Punjab). Sacred to the Sikhs. The plot of land containing a pool was granted by Akbar to Guru Ramdas, the fourth Guru of Sikhs, who built the temple.

Gol Gumbaz: largest Dome in Bijapur (Karnataka).

Gomateswara: (Karnataka) famous for the 2000-year-old statue of Jain Sage carved out of a single stone.

Guntur: in Andhra Pradesh; known for cotton manufacture.

Gwalior: in Madhya Pradesh is famous for its fort, Tansen’s Tomb, Rani Laxmi Bai’s Chhatri.

Haldia: in West Bengal is known for a big oil refinery being set up in public sector.

Haldighati: a pass in Rajasthan where in 1576, the brave Rana Pratap faced the Mughal forces headed by Man Singh and Asaf Khan.

Hampi: site of ruins of Vijayanagar—ancient capital of Vijayanagar Empire. It is in Karnataka.

Hardwar: on the Ganga—where the Ganga leaves the mountains. It is one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage for the Hindus.

Hazrat Bal: is a mosque in Srinagar in which relics of Prophet Mohammad are kept.

Hoshangabad: is situated on river Narmada.

Howrah Bridge: a cantilever span bridge constructed over the river Hooghly connecting Howrah Railway Station with Kolkata.

Hyderabad-Secunderabad: the twin-city is the capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is centrally situated for all-India communications. It stands on the river Musi. Known for Char Minar; Osmania University; Salarjung Museum one of the richest and most varied collections in Asia.

Imphal: north-east frontier town and capital of Manipur is well-known for its Manipuri dance and handloom industry.

India Gate: A memorial in New Delhi facing the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Itanagar: is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.

Jabalpur: in Madhya Pradesh is known for Marble Rocks and Dhunva Dhar (water-falls). It is situated on the river Narbada.

Jadugoda: in Bihar is famous for Uranium Ore Mill.

Jaipur: capital of Rajasthan called “pink city” is famous for pottery, brassware, sculpture, ivory and scandal-wood work and jewellery. Famous for Maharaja’s Palace; Jai Singh’s Observatory; Amber (ancient capital); Hawa Mahal. The city was founded by Sawai Jai Singh.

Jalandhar: one of the largest towns of the Punjab; Surgical and Sports goods industry.

Jallianwala Bagh: a garden in Amritsar; scene of massacre of innocent Indians by the British on 13 April 1919.

Jama Masjid: (Delhi) built by Shah Jehan; India’s biggest mosque.

Jamshedpur: (Jharkhand) centre of iron and steel industry; Tata Iron and Steel Factory is located here.

Jantar Mantar: in Delhi, is an observatory constructed in 1724 during the days of Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber.

Jealgora: in Bihar is known for Central Fuel Research Institute.

Jhansi: (Uttar Pradesh) occupies a key position as a railway junction; famous of the heroic part played by its queen Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi in the war of Indian Independence, 1857.

Jharia: in Jharkhand is famous for coal-mining.

Jog Falls: also called Gersoppa Falls in Karnataka are one of the highest water-falls in the world. These falls are formed by the river Sharavati which takes a big leap down a steep rock from a height of 253 metres.

Juma Masjid, Mandu: is in Madhya Pradesh. It depicts a synthesis of Hindu and Muslim styles in architecture.

Junagadh: in Gujarat, situated below the Girnar Hill is one of the most ancient cities in India. The famous Gir Forest—the only place in Asia where lions are found—is in Junagadh. The temples on the Girnar Hill are noted for their delicate painting and architecture.

Kailasha Temple: rock-out temple in Ellora caves.

Kalpakkam: near Chennai in Tamil Nadu is known for Madras Atomic Power Project (MAPP).

Kanchi or Conjeevaram: near Chennai was the capital of the ancient Pallavas; famous for ancient temples.

Kanchenjunga: is the world’s third highest mountain peak (height 28,208 ft.). It stands in the Himalayas on the borders between Nepal and Sikkim, 58 km north-west of Darjeeling, from where it is conspicuous.

Kanheri: about 32 km from Mumbai is famous for its Buddhist caves dating back to the 1st century AD.

Kanpur: on the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, is a big industrial centre; sugar mills, cotton mills, woollen mills, soap, iron, leather, tent and hosiery factories; known as the city of factories.

Kanya Kumari: in Tamil Nadu; famous temple (the Virgin Goddess) situated at Cape Comorin on the extreme southern tip of India where the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet; a picturesque spot. Vivekananda Rock Memorial being built here.

Kapilvastu: a small ancient kingdom in the north of India; associated with Mahatma Buddh.

Karnal: a town in Haryana, known for National Dairy Research Institute.

Karwar: Situated in North Kanara district of Karnataka, it is India’s biggest naval base.

Kasauli: in Himachal Pradesh is a hill station known for Pasteur Institute.

Katni: Madhya Pradesh; cement factory.

Kavaratti: is the headquarters of Lakshadweep, a Union Territory of India, formerly known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands.

Kaziranga: is a Game Sanctuary in Assam. It is the centre of the great Indian one-horned rhinos.

Khadakvasla: near Pune; National Defence Academy is situated here.

Khajuraho: in Madhya Pradesh is famous for its group of highly ornate mediaeval Hindu temples.

Khetri: in Rajasthan; copper manufacture.

Kirkee: near Pune; Institute of Armament Studies; the first of its kind in India; Meteorological Observatory.

Kodaikanal: is a town in Tamil Nadu famous for its Observatory for the study of Solar Physics.

Koderma: (Jharkhand) is a mica mining centre.

Kolar: in Karnataka, gold mining centre.

Kolkata: famous as the commercial capital of India. It is the capital of West Bengal. It has a port of immense river traffic. Known for Victoria Memorial, Belyedere House (where the British Viceroys stayed when on a visit to Kolkata) now the National Library, Dakshineshwar Temple, Dum Dum airport, Diamond Harbour.

Konarak: small town 16 km north of Puri (Odisha); famous for its Black Pagoda; Sun Temple.

Korba: in Chhattisgarh is the site of a huge public sector aluminium plant.

Kovalam: is a sea-beach about 16 km from Thiruvanthapuram in Kerala.

Koyali: in Maharashtra, is known for Petro-Chemical complex.

Kumbalgarh fort: The wall of this fort is the second largest continuous wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. It extends over 38 km. The fort is located 82 km from Udaipur and is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Kurukshetra: Ancient town near Ambala (Haryana) where the great battle Mahabharata was fought between the Kurus and Pandvas; Kurukshetra University is located here.

Kutab Minar: in Delhi (88 m high) is one of the master-pieces of Indian architecture and art. It is the biggest minaret in the world. Completed by Altamash in 1232.

Leh: capital of Ladakh; once a caravan centre for Central Asia. It is situated on the river Indus.

Lothal: ancient town, situated on the sea-plain of former Saurashtra, 720 km south-east of Mohenjo-Daro. The excavation made here represent the Indus-Valley culture.

Lucknow: capital of Uttar Pradesh is known as the city of Gardens. It has many places of historical interest—Imambara; Tomb of Wajid Ali Shah; Chattar Manzil; Dilkusha Palace; Alambagh; Sikander Bagh; Havelock’s Tomb.

Ludhiana: Industrial town of Punjab; known for hosiery, cycle and sewing machine industry.

Mahabaleshwar: 1372 metres above see level on the Western Ghats of India, fort and health resort; principal hill station of Maharashtra.

Mahabalipuram: in Tamil Nadu on the Eastern Ghats; famous for temples and monumental architecture. The Mahabalipuram sea-shore temple was built during the reign of Pallava dynasty. An atomic power station is being set up near here at Kalpakkam.

Malanjkhand: situated in the Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh is the location of richest ever copper deposits in the country.

Neyveli: known for Thermal Power Station in the Neyveli lignite integrated project in Tamil Nadu; Monazite factory.

Nilgiris: mountain range in Tamil Nadu; tea plantations.

Nunamati: in Assam is the place where first of the three Oil Refineries has been set up in Public Sector.

Pagodas: The seven Pagodas at Mahabalipuram are attributed to Pallava dynasty.

Palitana: in Gujarat, is famous for its holy hill Shatrunjaya, the most sacred place of Shvetambara Jains.

Pandharpur: town in Maharashtra (in Sholapur district). It is situated on the river Bhima. It is one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra—known for the temple of Vithoba, an incarnation of Vishnu.

Panipat: in Haryana; scene of three successive historical battles: 1526, 1556 and 1761.

Panna: a town and district in the Rewa Division of Madhya Pradesh situated 176 kms south-west of Jhansi. Panna district is known for diamond mines. Panna town has several buildings of historical interest including Shri Baldeoji temple built by Maharana Pratap Singh. In 1675, Chhatarsal, the ruler of Bundelkhand made it his capital and the town gained importance during that period.

Pantnagar: in Uttarkhand is famous as a big Agricultural University. It is named after Shri Govind Ballabh Pant.

Patna: capital of Bihar. It stands on the site of the ancient city of Patliputra.

Perambur: near Chennai; known for integral coach factory.

Pichola Lake: is a well-known man-made lake in Udaipur (Rajasthan). In the middle of the lake, there is a palace which has now been converted into a hotel by the Maharana of Udaipur.

Pimpri: near Pune known for penicillin factory.

Plassey: a village on the Ganga (West Bengal). Battle of Plassey was fought here in 1757 in which Clive defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah and laid the foundation of British rule in India.

Pokhran: is in the Thar desert of Rajasthan where India successfully exploded her first nuclear device on 18 May 1974. The Pokhran Range runs between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. The test site is about 150 km from Indo-Pak border.

Puducherry: formerly a French possession; since taken over by the Indian government and now specified as a Union Territory. Aurobindo Ashram is established here. “Auroville’’, an international township in the memory of Sri Aurobindo has been built here.

Porbunder: in Kathiawar, Gujarat ; birth-place of Mahatma Gandhi.

Port Blair: Capital of Andaman and Nicobar islands in the Bay of Bengal.

Prabhas Patan: in Gujarat, is the site of the famous Somnath Temple.

Pulicate Lake: is saltwater lagoon on the Coromandel Coast of Andhra Pradesh extending from the extreme southeastern portion of Andhra Pradesh into the adjacent portion of Tamil Nadu. It has a length of about 50 km and a width 5 to 16 km. The lake is located on the swampy, sandy Andhra plains. The lake yields salt and prawns. Sriharikota Island separates Pulicate Lake from the Bay of Bengal. The only sea entrance into the lake is north of Pulicate town.

Sabarmati: in Gujarat, near Ahmedabad; Harijan Ashram founded by Mahatma Gandhi.

Sambhar: Salt lake in Rajasthan. It is known for India’s largest Brakish water lake.

Sanchi: (Madhya Pradesh); famous for the largest and the most wellpreserved Buddhist Stupa (33 metres in diameter and 13 metres in height).

Sarnath: Situated 8 km outside Varanasi, Sarnath is the famous place of Buddhist pilgrimage in India. In the “Deer Park’’ of Sarnath, Gautama Buddha preached his first sermon. Also located here is the famous Ashoka Pillar of polished sandstone whose lion capitol was adopted by the new Republic of India as the State emblem.

Seringapatnam: Seringapatnam was the capital of Karnataka during the rule of Tipu Sultan. The fourth and the last Mysore war was fought here. Tipu Sultan died here fighting bravely against the British forces.

Sesaram: in Bihar is known for the tomb of Sher Shah Suri.

Sevagram: about 19 km by road from Wardha railway station. Mahatma Gandhi lived and worked in this Ashram for many years.

Shantiniketan: (Vishwa Bharati) near Kolkata; famous University founded by Rabindarnath Tagore.

Shanti Vana: Near Raj Ghat, Shanti Vana is the place in Delhi where late Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru was cremated.

Shivpuri: in Madhya Pradesh. It is 115 km from Gwalior and is also known as Sipri; an international tourist resort.

Sikandra: near Agra; Tomb of Akbar; commenced by Akbar himself and completed by his son Jehangir in 14 years’ time at a cost of ` 15 lakh.

Sindri: (Jharkhand) about 33 km from Dhanbad; Fertilizer factory.

Singerini: in Andhra Pradesh is famous for coal mines.

Solan: hill station in Himachal Pradesh, situated on Kalka-Shimla highway; known for Solan Brewery.

Somnath: temple in the extreme south of Kathiawar sacked by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni in AD 1025.

Sundarbans: is a tract of forests and swamps—264 km long and 129 km wide fringing the delta of the Ganga.

Taj Mahal: the white marble mausoleum built at Agra by Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Tanjore: (Tamil Nadu) famous for museum, temples and library.

Tarapore: 80 km north of Mumbai; Atomic Power Plant.

Tatanagar: in Jamshedpur; famous for Tata Iron and Steel works.

Thiruvananthapuram: (Trivandrum) capital of Kerala; known for Padmanabha Temple.

Thumba: near Trivandrum in Kerala, is known as rocket-launching station.

Tiruchirapalli: the third largest city of Tamil Nadu situated on the river Cauvery is famous as a great educational centre.

Tirupati: in Andhra Pradesh, situated about 160 km to the north-west of Chennai is one of the holiest places in South India. This hill temple of Sri Venkateswara is an example of early Dravidian architecture and is one of the finest in the south.

Titagarh: in West Bengal is known for paper manufacture.

Tower of Victory: (Chittor, Rajasthan); famous tower built by Rana Kumbha, the Raja of Mewar in AD.1450. to commemorate his victory over the Muslim armies of Malwa and Gujarat. The tower is 37 metres high and has nine storeys.

Tribhuvaneswara Temple: is the famous temple built in AD 1100 and dominating all other temples in Bhubaneswar (Odisha).

Triveni: (or Tribeni); in Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh); confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati; a place of pilgrimage for the Hindus.

Trombay: in Mumbai. Atomic Reactors.

Tungabhadra: is a tributary of the river Krishna.

Udaipur: in Rajasthan is famous as a city of lakes with island palaces; Pichola Lake.

Ujjain: in Madhya Pradesh is one of the seven cities sacred to the Hindus. Known for Mahakaleshwar temple.

Uri: village in Kashmir on cease-fire line between India and Pakistan.

Vaishali: modern Besarch in the district of Muzaffarpur in Bihar. It was the capital of the famous Vaishali clan in ancient times.

Varanasi: or Banaras is a town in Uttar Pradesh very sacred to the Hindus. It is known as the religious capital of Hindu India. Famous for Banaras Hindu University, Vishwanath Temple, Manmandir with Jaisingh’s Observatory, Ramnagar Fort etc. It is also known for the manufacture of electric locomotives for Indian Railways.

Victoria Memorial: a magnificent building in Kolkata having an art gallery and a well-laid out garden attached to it.

Vijay Ghat: on the banks of the Yamuna in Delhi is Smadhi of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, former Prime Minister of India.

Vir Bhumi: Samadhi of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi; in Delhi on the banks of Yamuna.